Austria

Secondary Education in Austria

Secondary education in Austria follows four years of primary school (Volksschule) and is divided into two main stages:

Lower secondary education — ages 10–14. Students have two options: the lower cycle of an academic secondary school (AHS Unterstufe) or a middle school (Mittelschule). The difference is in emphasis — AHS prepares students for an academic future, while Mittelschule provides a broader foundation.
Upper secondary education — ages 14–18/19. At this level, students choose one of three pathways:
- Academic secondary school — upper cycle (AHS Oberstufe) — the classic academic route, leading to the Matura, the qualification required for university admission.
- Vocational colleges (BHS) — combine academic education with vocational training in five‑year programmes that also lead to the Matura. Graduates receive both a diploma and a professional qualification.
- Apprenticeship system (Lehre) — a dual system that combines training at a vocational school with paid on‑the‑job training at a company. You study and earn money at the same time.

Education in Austria is compulsory for 9 years. However, there is a duty to continue education or vocational training until age 18. So formally — 9 years, but in practice — almost until adulthood.

Key Facts and Figures

In the 2025/26 academic year, there were 1.166 million children and adolescents in Austrian schools. According to Statistik Austria forecasts, further growth is expected by the 2029/30 academic year, mainly driven by immigration.
In lower secondary education, growth is also expected — up to 219,000 pupils in middle schools (Mittelschulen) and up to 218,000 in grammar schools (AHS).
Vocational education is also on the rise — up to 114,000 pupils in vocational schools (+1.5%) and up to 186,000 in intermediate and higher vocational and technical colleges (BMHS) (+1.7%).
In 2025, about 35% of the age cohort chose the apprenticeship pathway (dual education). However, the number of new apprenticeship contracts in 2025 fell significantly compared to previous years. Overall, at the end of 2025, 102,878 people were in the apprenticeship system across more than 26,000 companies.
The Matura pass rate in the main summer examination period of 2025 was 92.1% — up from 89.9% in 2024 and 85.1% in 2019. In academic secondary schools (AHS), the pass rate reached a record high of 93.7%.
The youth unemployment rate in 2025 was 9.04% — 0.8 percentage points higher than in 2024.

The Austrian education system is known for its structured nature, strong vocational training, and alignment with European educational standards.

Higher Education in Austria

Austria has a well‑developed higher education system with a high level of research and international cooperation. The country has several types of institutions: 22 public universities (including 6 universities of the arts), universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), 19 accredited private universities (in the 2024/25 academic year), and universities of teacher education.

Leading institutions include the University of Vienna, the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), and the University of Innsbruck.

In the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2025, the University of Vienna ranked in the 101–150 bracket, while TU Wien, the University of Innsbruck, and the Medical University of Vienna were in the 201–300 bracket. In October 2025, the University of Vienna became the first Austrian institution to enter the top 100 of the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking. In the QS 2026 ranking, it rose from 152nd to 140th — clear progress.

Key Features

Bachelor's programmes typically last 3 years, master's programmes 2 years, and doctoral programmes 3–4 years.
Many programmes are offered in German, but the number of English‑taught programmes is growing, particularly at master's level.
Tuition at public universities is very affordable. For students from non‑EU/EEA countries, the fee is approximately €726.72 per semester. Living costs are estimated at €950–1,100 per month.

Enrolment Figures

Approximately 390,000 students are enrolled in Austria's higher education system. The share of international students is about 37% overall. At some institutions, it is even higher — for example, at the University of Innsbruck, international students made up 52.9% in the winter semester 2025.

Austrian universities are particularly strong in music and the arts, engineering, environmental sciences, business, psychology, and tourism management.

Summer Programmes and Language Courses

Austria offers a wide range of summer schools, language programmes, and cultural academies for international students.

Programme Format

German language courses — 15–25 hours per week.
Music and arts academies, especially in Vienna and Salzburg.
Summer schools in business, European studies, and STEM.
Excursions to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and the Austrian Alps.
Accommodation in student residences or host families.

In 2025, the University of Vienna's summer school on international and European studies (univie: summer school) ran from 12 July to 9 August. The Austrian Language Institute at the University of Vienna offered intensive summer German courses from A1 to C2 levels in July, August, and September.

In Upper Austria, summer language camps for children aged 6–14 with special needs in German language learning covered over 300 children. Two‑week immersion programmes in German or English and Austrian culture were also available with accommodation.

Facts and Context

Austria is one of the leading destinations for learning German in Central Europe.
Vienna consistently ranks among the cities with the highest quality of life in the world.
Many summer programmes are conducted in English.

Summer programmes in Austria combine academic excellence with a rich cultural heritage, classical music traditions, and access to Central European opportunities.

If you're considering Austria for your child — we'll help you navigate every stage, from choosing a school and programme type to document preparation and visa application. Get in touch — we'll tell you where to start.